Developing Community
As a triple bottom line company, CSR Developments is committed to deliver on a social goods agenda that will address the major issues of concern affected by its operations. These are expected to include priority areas such as fisheries, agriculture, water safety and conservation, electricity and education. The company will act as a catalyst in addressing these topics in partnership with government, NGOs and others.
One area of special concern is fisheries. This industry is the most important economic activity on the lake, with species from tilapia to catfish being harvested by an estimated 80,000 fishermen.
Unfortunately, their livelihoods are already under great pressure. Fish stocks on the lake have been declining for many years because of over-fishing, poor and illegal fishing methods, and the migration of fishermen from the coast to the lake.
In the face of this situation, CSR Developments recognizes that its operations rely on vibrant local communities, many of which are based on fishing.
Consequently, the company is committed not only to mitigate potential impacts from the project on fisheries, but also to identify opportunities for sustainable fisheries management on the lake. This would include co-management partnerships and sustainable livelihoods initiatives.
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CSRD meets with the Chief and other Elders of the local community.
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The company has already held initial discussions with the Ministry of Fisheries, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Fisheries Trust and the University of Ghana, as well as with many communities around the lake. As a new, long-term partner on the lake, CSR Developments looks to learn from these stakeholders and others on how best it can support improved management of fisheries for the communities that depend on them.
Training
The tree harvesting and processing operations, with their associated development in the region, will require a well-qualified workforce. In order to meet these needs, CSR Developments will invest significantly in Ghanaian workforce training in partnership with local and international institutions.
